Woody’s words of wisdom
Jamal Crawford and Hawks coach Mike Woodson are on the same page now after a brief meeting of the minds after Crawford played just 12 minutes in the season opener.
HAWKSVILLE – Jamal Crawford was understandably a bit confused about his role as the Hawks’ sixth man after playing just 12 minutes in the season opener.
A prolific scorer sitting on the bench for most of a track meet that ended in a 120-109 win for the Hawks didn’t make much sense to anyone else either, including Hawks coach Mike Woodson.
So he did what any reasonable people manager would do, he called Crawford into his office Thursday (well before tonight’s game against Gilbert Arenas and the Wizards of Washington at Philips Arena) and dispensed a few words of wisdom.
“I had to let him know that he is a big part of what we’re doing here,” Woodson said. “I can’t sit here and say, ‘Jamal I’m going to give you 35 minutes a game.’ But I have to make him more a part of what we’re doing, without a doubt. Because he has a position on this team where he can score the ball for us and be a big threat and take some of the pressure off of Joe [Johnson] and Mike [Bibby], Marvin [Williams], Josh [Smith] and Al [Horford]. He is coming off the bench and you need guys coming off the bench to score the ball. I’ve got to help him and put him in positions where he can be successful and help us win games.”
I asked someone to translate that from coach speak for me and apparently it means Woodson reminded Crawford that he’s a scorer first and foremost and not to lose that mentality, even when he comes off the bench. Crawford has shown off spectacular passing skills throughout the preseason and even in the opener. But the Hawks need him to do what comes naturally, and that’s score at will.
That sounds like a reasonable plan to me, especially with Arenas and the high-scoring Wizards in town.
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334 comments Add your comment
JeJe
October 30th, 2009
6:17 pm
Good stuff. He did look a bit timid on Wednesday.
LET’S SEE THE SHAKE-N-BAKE.
WOODY, LET BIBBY REDUCE HIS MINUTES TONIGHT. WE NEED THE VET TO PLAY SUNDAY VS. THE LAKERS. LET TEAGUE AND CRAW GET THEIR MINUTES ON ARENAS. WE HAVE TOO SLOW A STARTING BKCOURT TO CONTAIN HIM.
LET TEAGUE AND CRAW GET THEIRS TONIGHT. LET BIBBY PLAY 25
JeJe
October 30th, 2009
6:18 pm
Didn’t Crawford say something about Woody telling him to score in the preseason, but Craw thinks he’s more than just that and kinda ignored Woody? Sekou, do you know what I’m referring to?
Jimmy
October 30th, 2009
6:22 pm
Coach Woodson sounds like all talk to me. I don’t mean that in a negative manner either. I think he’s saying the right things, as far as using his bench more, but when it comes down to it–IE in a game situation – he’s just more comfortable w/ his starters. It’s just the second game though so hopefully we’ll see him use the bench a lot more in the future(starting tonight), also on this upcoming road trip w/ a few back to backs.
JeJe
October 30th, 2009
6:31 pm
It’s become apparent that no matter how well the bench does, Woodson will keep our same starting lineup in the last 80 % of every 4th qtr. What’s his damn obsession with having Marvin in? The guy is an average stiff. Why have we had the same starting lineup the last 3 years? Make a change and put Crawford in the starting lineup
O'Brien
October 30th, 2009
6:34 pm
Woody has said a lot of things in the past that he has not followed through on. He also told Crawford that he wants him to lead the league in scoring off the bench. Lets hope he gets it right, because Crawford is a scorer, and he needs minutes. Plus, like Woody says, it takes pressure off JJ, and should allow Woody to cut JJ’s minutes down to 35 or so.
I posted this on the other blog, so I wanted to repost it here.
Ray,
I agree. Marvin needs to step up defensively. With the players we have on this team (JJ, Bibby, Josh, Crawford), with Woody’s system (and Marvin’s lack of aggressiveness), Marvin is never going to develop into an elite scorer. What I would like to see him do is hang his hat on defense. I’m not saying he will be Artest like, but I would like to see him take the next step defensively (because I dont think he will take the next step offensively).
As Rod would say, there are quite a few SF who are better than Marvin (LeBron, Carmelo, Granger, Gerald Wallace, Caron Butler, Paul Pierce, Richard Jefferson just to name a few). So Marvin needs to have a mindset that says “You know what, I might only score 14 ppg, but my guy will not score more than 14 either”.
Gilley
October 30th, 2009
6:54 pm
Not much you can do in 12 minutes but Woody panics when his team is not winning and messes up his rotation..Which means he still doesn’t trust his bench. You have to be cool and temperamental during the game and just encourage the guys. Don’t always panic and change your game plan when things start slow or don’t go your way. I support the Hawks but I have never been a fan of Woody as a coach.
Big Man
October 30th, 2009
7:00 pm
Woody is no coach. Only in title. He doesn’t coach anything. He’s terrible. The players win in spite of him. The Hawks have a nice roster and have a lot of talent and cohesive pieces. Jamal will be a valuable cog in Woody’s favorite play….One on one at the top starring Joe Johnson(with Jamal possibly getting in on that with his one on one skills).
Sautee
October 30th, 2009
7:03 pm
I personally like that Crawford says he’d rather get 10 assists off the bench than lead the league in bench scoring. I don’t think it’s realistic, but I like hearing it.
IF he gets even 6 or 7 assists off the bench it would be (as Woody might say) HUGE.
Sautee
October 30th, 2009
7:04 pm
Sekou,
Which would YOU rather have off the bench, a high scorer or a high assists man?
tbhawksfan
October 30th, 2009
7:14 pm
I can’t belive it. Woodson leaves Craw glued to the bench. Is he trying to break his spirit too? Is Woodson’s best coaching asset his ability to destroy his players confidence ?
I thought I was going to read how Woodson forgot all about Crawford; you know heat of the moment and all.
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
October 30th, 2009
7:14 pm
Obrien – Great point on Marvin Williams.
I hope he proves me wrong, but I have no faith or confidence in Woody implementing anything of significance to reduce JJ minutes – even if we have the answer (Jamal C.) right on the bench.
GO HAWKS!
james
October 30th, 2009
7:15 pm
Its not enough to just say this in the office Woody has to say it during the game but also back it up by calling sets to get Crawford the ball as well letting his teammates know that in certain situations I expect you to find Crawford just as we would Joe especially when Joes not in the game . No posting up Zaza after the opponent runs off 4 straight points.
Sekou Smith
October 30th, 2009
7:15 pm
That’s correct JeJe. The Hawks need Crawford to score. And I’ll take the scorer for $800 Sautee.
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
October 30th, 2009
7:22 pm
tbhawksfan
Woody gives us the impression that he thinks my man is inadequate.
Acie wasn’t doo doo, neither was Salim yet when they left here – they sure felt like it.
Woody has zero player development skills whatsoever. But that’s stating the obvious and this horse has been dead and beaten for years around this blog. Let’s hope he gives JJ rest tonight and we win.
truly1
October 30th, 2009
7:22 pm
Hey but sekou dont you think that if crawford plays more minutes from joe johnson in his position he will naturally score because i like the passing he is doing and dont want him to stop that.
Hawks Fan In New Orleans
October 30th, 2009
7:25 pm
Give him minutes and he will score and rack up assists. Play him and they will come.
Blast
October 30th, 2009
7:38 pm
Give Crawford his minutes, draw him plays, and watch him put the ball in the hole.
GAMETIME!!!!!
bigdave
October 30th, 2009
7:43 pm
aight Ray… lets see… Joe on Gil
bigdave
October 30th, 2009
7:44 pm
jump shot happy early…
BONE
October 30th, 2009
7:45 pm
stop with the f*cking jumpshots
BONE
October 30th, 2009
7:45 pm
stop with the f*cking jumpshots
madtbone
October 30th, 2009
7:45 pm
Dear Josh Smith,
If you don’t see the paint under you, pass the ball!!!
BONE
October 30th, 2009
7:46 pm
All thanks to Woodson’s just dribble and shoot offense.
J
October 30th, 2009
7:47 pm
Hello,
Arenas looks amazing out there. We could be in for a long night. Hate to say this, but we need to slow it down and go half court.
Cheers,
J
bigdave
October 30th, 2009
7:48 pm
thats what i wanna see boy!!!
BONE
October 30th, 2009
7:48 pm
Josh still can’t shoot free throws
BONE
October 30th, 2009
7:49 pm
The Hawks switch every f*ckin time. Damn this team is badly coached
madtbone
October 30th, 2009
7:50 pm
Is that Brittany’s baby daddy playing for the Wizards?
madtbone
October 30th, 2009
7:51 pm
Points in the paint. What a concept!
bigdave
October 30th, 2009
7:53 pm
that first step is back…
madtbone
October 30th, 2009
7:53 pm
Friday night at Philips. It looks like there are 2000 people there.
bigdave
October 30th, 2009
7:55 pm
interesting lineup… i like…
BONE
October 30th, 2009
7:56 pm
Yea there only 2000 people there becuz they don’t wanna see woody’s bad coaching in person.
Blast
October 30th, 2009
7:57 pm
Joe is attacking early. Great.
bigdave
October 30th, 2009
7:58 pm
looks good.. looks good…
truly1
October 30th, 2009
8:00 pm
get joe some rest now we have a bench
bigdave
October 30th, 2009
8:00 pm
wow… that is elite company on that J Crawford stat…
madtbone
October 30th, 2009
8:01 pm
WOOT!!! The Village Idiot is in!!!
bigdave
October 30th, 2009
8:02 pm
Crawford’s defense looking strides better early…
bigdave
October 30th, 2009
8:03 pm
yes suh!
bigdave
October 30th, 2009
8:04 pm
we in stunt mode!!!
Sekou Smith
October 30th, 2009
8:04 pm
That’s the Jamal Crawford people came to see.
BONE
October 30th, 2009
8:05 pm
Jamal is gonna attract some new fans.
bigdave
October 30th, 2009
8:05 pm
somebody wipe the ball off…
bigdave
October 30th, 2009
8:06 pm
look at the Vet!
madtbone
October 30th, 2009
8:06 pm
Nice Play by Joe Smith.
truly1
October 30th, 2009
8:07 pm
looks like teague aint playing
2 FOR JOHN DREW
October 30th, 2009
8:07 pm
LOVING CRAWFORD …… HE’S STARTIN’ TO OPEN IT UP !!!!!!
bigdave
October 30th, 2009
8:07 pm
Stevenson look like Kimbo Slice lil brother…
BONE
October 30th, 2009
8:07 pm
Jamal is playing some good D
Sekou Smith
October 30th, 2009
8:08 pm
There’s a little left for Teague truly. Ha.
bigdave
October 30th, 2009
8:08 pm
we got a squad yall…
madtbone
October 30th, 2009
8:08 pm
Nice play by the reserves. I hope their hard play rubs off on the starters. Crawford is a highlight reel so far.
Blast
October 30th, 2009
8:08 pm
Watch Hawks second unit GO!
Sekou Smith
October 30th, 2009
8:09 pm
25-12 Hawks run after allowing the Wiz to run off 12 straight early. Love the pace Crawford pushes when he’s going off out there.
BONE
October 30th, 2009
8:14 pm
Can the crowd make some kinda noise. The capacity looks embarassing
bigdave
October 30th, 2009
8:15 pm
Vet.
Sekou Smith
October 30th, 2009
8:16 pm
Looks like this all over the league right now B.
bigdave
October 30th, 2009
8:16 pm
he was fouled i heard it…
Sekou Smith
October 30th, 2009
8:16 pm
When’s the last time Joe Johnson got a breather like this in a game.
D.Carter
October 30th, 2009
8:17 pm
A blind person can see that J.Crawford needs to replace Bibby in the starting lineup…Bibby is a jumpshooter only and a pure liability on defense… I still think resigning Bibby as a mistake..Teague and Crawford give the team an element that we havent had outside of Joe, and thats the ability to break down a defender off the dribble and get in the lane consistantly…. Teague and Crawford dont really settle for the jumpshot which creates open lanes for AL and Josh
Blast
October 30th, 2009
8:18 pm
Yes, Sekou. Especially this early in the game. Things sure have changed in Hawksville.
Sekou Smith
October 30th, 2009
8:18 pm
I didn’t use a question mark because I know that there is no answer. Ha.
terrell barron
October 30th, 2009
8:19 pm
Just read Woody’s lips when the Wiz called timeout. He said “how long has Joe been out? lol! There’s no need to rush Woody. We’re still up, for crying out loud. haha
Najeh Davenpoop
October 30th, 2009
8:19 pm
I like that Crawford wants to pass more. I also like that Woody wants him on the floor primarily for his scoring, if that makes sense (a coach should always put his players in position to do what they do best). But I had no problem with Crawford’s limited minutes in the first game. Crawford is not a great defender, and the Hawks were having no problem scoring points. In addition, the Hawks were playing a team with a big front line, so they couldn’t go small with the Crawford SG/Johnson SF lineup they have flashed in the preseason. it made no sense to bring in a defensive liability who can score in that situation.
On a regular basis, though, Crawford should definitely be playing 25-30 minutes per game.
Nice to see the Hawks step up the intensity on both ends of the floor after a sleepy start.
Najeh Davenpoop
October 30th, 2009
8:20 pm
Dang, I don’t know how Flip Saunders tells apart Mike Miller and Fabricio Oberto.
BONE
October 30th, 2009
8:21 pm
see Teague misses one shot and dumb old woody wants to bring Bibby in. SMH
bigdave
October 30th, 2009
8:23 pm
great D!!
bigdave
October 30th, 2009
8:23 pm
what….
Joe some rest in the mid of the 2nd… after just coming in.. well…
bigdave
October 30th, 2009
8:24 pm
parabola… courtesy of J. Criddy…
D.Carter
October 30th, 2009
8:24 pm
If you think Crawford is a defensve liability Bibby must be pure defensive negligence!!! spell check…lol on the 3rd shot of HENN!!!!
bigdave
October 30th, 2009
8:24 pm
Mo has to watch his emotions…
BONE
October 30th, 2009
8:26 pm
Why did josh try to throw an alley oop to BIBBY o__0
Blast
October 30th, 2009
8:26 pm
Hey! NBA refs giving Hawks more respect so far! Hawks actually getting their calls. Who would habe thunked it!
bigdave
October 30th, 2009
8:28 pm
good move Al…
bigdave
October 30th, 2009
8:29 pm
up tempo…
Blast
October 30th, 2009
8:30 pm
Crawford just need to keep shooting, man.
Sekou Smith
October 30th, 2009
8:31 pm
I hope Crawford doesn’t get the swine flu licking his fingers all the time.
BONE
October 30th, 2009
8:31 pm
Bibby needs to stop shooting and give it back to Jamal
bigdave
October 30th, 2009
8:32 pm
the slowest move in the history of the league…
bigdave
October 30th, 2009
8:32 pm
this fool could get 50 every night if he wanted… get em’ Criddy…
J.J.M.
October 30th, 2009
8:32 pm
lol@sekou
Big Ray
October 30th, 2009
8:33 pm
Things I liked seeing the most in this game so far:
Joe driving to the basket and drawing fouls. That bucket against three defenders was a thing of beauty.
Jamal Crawford exploding on the scene offensively. This guy is scary. Very scary. Nothing against Flip, but uhh….
Josh with 6 rebounds.
Things I didn’t like:
Josh trying too hard to duplicate his assist totals from last game, and managing to do nearly the opposite with his turnovers.
Brendan Haywood scoring double figures in the first half.
B crutch
October 30th, 2009
8:34 pm
ha swine flu good one, Al needs to let the game come to him more, he seems to be rushing on the offensive end.
bigdave
October 30th, 2009
8:35 pm
does Joe Johnson still play for this team?
bigdave
October 30th, 2009
8:36 pm
Woody giving Joe the Lebron treatment…
D.Carter
October 30th, 2009
8:36 pm
Please Woody, Bibby needs to assume the role of Eddie House… If you wanna compete with the big boys start Jamal, bring bibby of the bench and let his minutes be based upon if he is hot… ala EDDIE HOUSE
Najeh Davenpoop
October 30th, 2009
8:36 pm
Now THAT is what Jamal brings to this team. I remember a lot of cold stretches last year where we really, really could have used a guy who is quick enough to break anyone in the league down off the dribble.
bigdave
October 30th, 2009
8:37 pm
i was never critical before… but Marvin does fall every attempt to the cup…
Sekou Smith
October 30th, 2009
8:37 pm
Crawford’s steady heat while Gilbert’s suddenly gone cold.
bigdave
October 30th, 2009
8:38 pm
Veteran.
Najeh Davenpoop
October 30th, 2009
8:39 pm
Looking around the league, check out what Brandon Jennings is doing, after being hated on by every NBA expert in history for not going to college. The man almost has a triple double and the third quarter is only halfway over. I wonder how many players have put up a triple double in their NBA debut?
Big Ray
October 30th, 2009
8:40 pm
Sekou ,
If it hasn’t happened to Bibby, it ain’t gonna happen to Crawford. Bibby messes with his fingertips more than anybody I know…
BONE
October 30th, 2009
8:40 pm
Al isn’t playing very good so far. Maybe he’ll do better in the 2nd half
bigdave
October 30th, 2009
8:40 pm
excellent half. excellent…
terrell barron
October 30th, 2009
8:41 pm
Crawford for 10 mill or JJ for 15-17 mill? Hmmmm???? Seriously. Is JJ worth 5 to 7 mill more than Crawford?
2 FOR JOHN DREW
October 30th, 2009
8:41 pm
Boy …. JJ ’s gonna be fresh for the 2nd half.
BONE
October 30th, 2009
8:41 pm
there u go Al
Najeh Davenpoop
October 30th, 2009
8:42 pm
Nice move by Horford to finish the half. As slow as the Hawks started, they really stepped it up in quarter number 2.
D.Carter
October 30th, 2009
8:42 pm
AH Joe you might wanna rethink that contract offer